Funders:
  • National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
Collaborators:
  • Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI)
  • University of Western Australia (UWA)
  • University of Edinburgh 
     
Aim:

The goal of the OPTIMAL clinical trial is to determine if, among children hospitalised with severe acute malnutrition, immune responses to the pneumococcus bacteria are better among those who receive a dose of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) compared to a control group who receive a dose of Typhoid conjugate vaccine. 

Objectives:

Our research addresses key questions regarding PCV use among hospitalised children with severe acute malnutrition. The study evaluates whether vaccination with PCV, compared to control:

  • Generates better pneumococcal immune responses in the 12 months following hospitalisation
  • Other immune responses, such as functional antibodies and salivary antibodies, are better
  • Improves survival, nutritional recovery, and the risk of pneumonia
Summary:

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) affected 13.7 million children aged <5 years worldwide in 2023. Rates of malnutrition in Timor-Leste, where this study is based, are among the highest in the world. Recovery from malnutrition is often complicated by pneumonia or death. It is critical that malnourished children receive vaccines like the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), which prevents pneumonia. But we don’t know if this is a good time to provide a vaccination because SAM affects the body’s immune system. This study will answer important questions about when to use PCV in children with SAM.

Implications for policy and practice:

Our results will inform evidence-based guidelines for PCV use in the routine care of acute malnutrition internationally. We will also answer important questions about immune function in children with malnutrition. 

Chief Investigator:

Dr Nicholas Fancourt

Project dates:

The project will commence in 2025 and is due to conclude in February 2029. 

Information for study participants:

Families of children hospitalised with severe acute malnutrition in Dili, Timor-Leste will be approached to be part of this study. Participating families can contact the study team at any time through the Menzies Timor-Leste office.